TRANSCENDENCE - THE MEANING OF GREAT-GRANDMOTHERING

Great-grandparents are increasing in number in the United States. This case study examined how eight African-American and eight Caucasian co mmunity dwelling great-grandmothers found transcendence in their great -grandmotherhood. Subjects, who ranged in age from 75 to 89 years, ind icated that family was the common factor which influenced the transcen dence of great-grandmothering. Five domains, connectedness, religion, being wise, values, and stories, generated the meaning of transcendenc e. Domains evolved into one cultural theme: By finding opportunities t o influence great-grandchildren, the great-grandmother enhances possib ilities for meaning and transcendence. Nurses can help great-grandmoth ers enhance family relationships to promote transcendence. Copyright ( C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company